Around 600 RAGNI luminaires were replaced point by point, with a color temperature of 2700 K, which is more respectful of the night environment.

In the citadel, a warmer lighting scheme was chosen, combining temperatures of 2200 K and 2700 K to create an enhanced night-time ambience.

In addition, more than 300 LEC-brand fixtures now illuminate the Upper Town, including the 1750 BOURGOGNE reference, recognizable by its customized studs emblazoned with the Bonifacio coat of arms.

Technical and local synergy

Faced with an ageing network and tourist numbers exceeding two million visitors per year, the city worked in collaboration with the Syndicat d’Énergie de la Corse-du-Sud (SD2A) and GROUPE RAGNI.

“This process had already begun in 2015 with an energy audit, which enabled us to integrate safety issues and coordinate the work with the renovation of the Upper-Town. Thanks to the support of the SDE2A and a solid, responsive and committed team, we were able to anticipate heritage and technical constraints and meet residents’ expectations for this phase of renovation. I’ll never forget the satisfaction felt by all those involved in this fine project at the end of the work – the symbiosis between the teams was important in tackling this modernization.”, stresses Christelle Longuet, General Manager of Bonifacio’s technical services.

The SDE2A played a central role in this project, assuming full responsibility for project management, financing and technical coordination with the municipalities, as was the case in Bonifacio. Thanks to its expertise, investment capacity and strategic support, it was able to provide the commune with access to effective and appropriate solutions, even in the absence of external subsidies.

“In the Upper Town project, we took part in securing the networks and enhancing this heritage. This project involved the installation of 120 BONI lanterns, 22 recessed spotlights, 5.2 km of network, a point-to-point remote management system and 1.1 km of fiber optics. For the renovation operation, it represents 117 communes and 25 million euros with the support of EDF AGIR PLUS, the ERDF for the first parts and the Green Fund. Bonifacio thus benefited from 1.57 million euros from the Syndicat out of a total expenditure of 2 million, which is considerable,” explains Pierre-Paul Cesari, General Director of Services at the Syndicat.

When the city inspires new designs: BONI and CORSICA

The highlight of the project: the creation of a custom lighting fixture. Régis Clouzet, lighting designer at l’agence Lumière explains: “As part of an initiative to enhance Bonifacio’s nocturnal identity, we worked with the Architectes des Bâtiments de France to adapt a standard lighting fixture. The challenge was to create a contemporary solution respectful of the ancient heritage, drawing inspiration from the shape and volume of the bastion to create a unique design. After several prototypes, technical feasibility was assured thanks to collaboration with RAGNI’s design office, resulting in a specific luminaire that is now an integral part of the town’s identity.”

Right from the start of the project, a number of technical constraints became apparent, particularly in certain areas of the citadel that were inaccessible to traditional lighting. A series of tests was carried out in collaboration with several manufacturers, among whom LEC stood out by proposing a solution adapted to great heights. Their response, with the development of the CORSICA luminaire, made it possible to go beyond simple beaconing functions to meet the site’s requirements. Thanks to close collaboration between design offices, designers and local companies, a tailor-made luminaire was created, incorporating specific optics to suit the constraints of each space.

This tailor-made work by LEC’s design team, which has become a Bonifacio landmark, has paved the way for new projects, such as the illumination of the Church of Saint-Dominique, consolidating the success and scope of the initial project.

“The night-time illumination of this church is undoubtedly what makes all the difference and contributes greatly to its success, particularly during the Christmas season. In fact, it’s this image that is systematically highlighted on the Internet.” Mayor Jean-Charles Orsucci.

A dual objective: protecting the environment while saving energy

The town has also developed a sustainable lighting charter to raise awareness among local users, particularly of the impact of lighting private gardens and commercial signs.

As Bonifacio is located in a marine protected area, it was essential to take special precautions to avoid lighting up the seabed.

“We opted for low color temperature light sources, combined with intelligent management, to limit light pollution. Today, the Upper Town is equipped to enable lighting modulation, in particular dimming. We are currently working with residents to identify possible improvements, determine the most appropriate time slots and so on. It’s essential that everyone feels concerned and fully involved in this process”, says Christelle Longuet, General Manager of Bonifacio’s technical services.

A project with a bright future

In view of the results already achieved in the Upper Town, the municipality estimates that the reduction in energy consumption will reach 80%. An achievement that Bonifacians and visitors alike will appreciate.

“These savings will enable the commune to increase its cash flow and reinvest. This street lighting renovation meets three major challenges: heritage, environment and energy. I’d like to thank the RAGNI company, which responded quickly and professionally to a complex contract. It adapted quickly and was a true partner in public action.” Pierre-Paul Cesari, General Manager of the Syndicat.

The Mayor concludes: “There’s no such thing as a small issue when it comes to energy and lighting. What we’ve done here is a collective success. Since the lights went on, the feedback has been very positive: no more lighting problems, even when it’s raining, and a real improvement in the quality of life. I’m proud to have renovated the entire commune in a single term of office. I’d like to pay tribute to the work of GROUPE RAGNI: a committed local partner, embodying real industrial know-how, with whom we have taken up a great challenge together. It’s a wonderful family story. Today, RAGNI is an industrial flagship. Public lighting is a major challenge, and RAGNI must be recognized for its expertise. It’s a partner that local authorities have every interest in surrounding themselves with.”

Bonifacio is now lighting up its future by combining innovation, sobriety and respect for its heritage. An example to follow.

Many thanks to Jean-Charles Orsucci, Mayor of Bonifacio, Christelle Longuet, Director General of Technical Services for the town, Pierre-Paul Cesari, Director General of Services for the Syndicat d’Énergie de la Corse-du-Sud, Régis Clouzet, Lighting Designer for the Lumière agency, and Pierre Bianconi, AVEC sales representative for Corsica, for their availability, commitment and invaluable testimonials, which enabled us to give an accurate behind-the-scenes account of this exemplary project. Our thanks also go to the design offices, local contractors, installers, technical staff and all the partners involved, whose collective efforts made this project a real success.